Back Bay Feasibility Study with the Army Corps of Engineers

City of St. Augustine to sign feasibility study agreement with Army Corps of Engineers

FLOODED ROAD

Three-year study will begin immediately

On Monday, January 9, 2023, at 4:30pm, prior to the regular city commission meeting, St. Augustine Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline will sign the St Augustine, Florida Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with Colonel James Booth, Jacksonville District Commander, United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The CSRM Study is a three-year federal feasibility study that investigates coastal storm impacts on the City of St. Augustine and also explores economically viable and environmentally sound solutions to mitigate coastal storm risks.

The reduction of flood-related damages to residential, commercial, and historic/culturally significant resources, and critical infrastructure is vital. The study will identify comprehensive CSRM strategies to increase resilience and to reduce risk from future storms and compounding impacts of sea level change.  Identifying solutions to reduce damages will benefit the community as future projects are designed to mitigate flooding.

The City of St. Augustine will utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for its cost share match with the Army Corp of Engineers.  The estimated total cost of the study is $3,000,000 over three years.

“We are excited to officially start this process and work with the Corps and various stakeholders to develop environmentally, economically, and technically feasible solutions to ensure the resilience of the Nation’s Oldest City,” Chief Resilience Officer Jessica Beach commented.  “It is very difficult to get these types of studies authorized by Congress.  We have a lot at stake that is at risk, particularly with our historic and cultural resources, so being able to work with our federal partners to preserve and protect these resources is important.  We also want to thank the entire Florida Congressional Delegation and specifically Congressman John Rutherford’s office for his support in making the start of this study possible.”

Beach will serve as the city’s project manager for the duration of the study, coordinating all aspects of the project.

Scoping Meeting and Comment Period Notice Letter for USACE St. Augustine Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study (PDF)

City seeks public input for Army Corps resilience Study

Resilent St Aug LogoEmail: BackBay@citystaug.com

Public Meeting scheduled:

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 
6:00PM-8:00PM
Alcazar Room at 75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL

Watch the meeting recording here.

St. Augustine Florida Back Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study

USACOE MapUS Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Website

Back Bay Signing Ceremony January 9th, 2023

From L to R:  Commissioner Garris, Vice Mayor Horvath, Colonel James Booth (Jacksonville District Commander, United States Army Corps of Engineers), Commissioner Springfield, Mayor Sikes-Kline, Commissioner Blonder, Chris Miller (District Director, U.S. Representative John Rutherford (FL-04)

Coastal Storm Risk Management Back Bay Feasibility Study Resources: Fact Sheets, Presentations and Interviews

USACE Jacksonville hosts charrette, public scoping meeting for St. Augustine Back Bay CSRM Feasibility Study

Jacksonville District biologist Katie Lebow (left) and environmental branch chief Gretchen Ehlinger

Army Corps Back Bay Feasibility Study Public Meeting February 22, 2023

Army Corps Back Bay Feasibility Study Public Meeting February 22, 2023

USACOE Back Bay Feasibility Study Poster (PDF)

SIGNING_CEREMONY_POSTER_010323_FINAL

City of St Augustine Feasibility Study Fact Sheet (PDF)

Back Bay Fact Sheet (Updated 11.15-ARPA)_Page_1

Watch video recording of January 9, 2023 Feasibility Study signing ceremony here:

Back Bay Signing

March 23, 2022 Resiliency Workshop

3.28.2022 Resilency Workshop USACOE

May 8, 2018 Resiliency Strategy Workshop (PDF)

Resilience Presentation